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Sketches from the Life of Paul
prized the precious truths for which the apostle had sacrificed so much,
and they gave themselves, with whole-hearted devotion, to the cause
of their Redeemer.
This church did not escape persecution. Says Paul, in his Epistle
to the Philippians: “Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not
only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; having the same
conflict which ye saw in me.” Yet such was their steadfastness in the
faith that he declares: “I thank my God upon every remembrance of
you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with
joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”
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